Public transportation use and online shopping behavior among older adults: insights on the effect of the pandemic from the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) data and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) smart location database

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected daily routines and lifestyle patterns, as lockdown restrictions and the highly contagious nature of the virus forced people to avoid public places. Public transportation use declined sharply, while new trends emerged, such as online purchases of goods, groceries, and food for home delivery. This shift posed unique challenges for the vulnerable population, particularly older adults (aged 65 and above). Despite growing evidence of the pandemic-induced changes in travel behavior, understanding how older adults adapted their mobility and shopping behavior remains crucial for age-friendly transportation planning. This study explores these dynamics using the 2022 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) data and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Smart Location Database. A weighted logistic regression model with robust standard errors was developed to identify age, gender, race, driving, urban area size, medical condition that makes travel difficult, work status, and employment density as significant factors of changes in public transportation use due to the pandemic. Additionally, a separate logistic regression model examining older adults’ online shopping behavior found that driving, income, education, medical condition that makes travel difficult, and urban area size were significant predictors of the increase in online purchases due to the pandemic. Spatial disparities across different urban areas and census divisions were also analyzed, revealing notable regional variations and potential for long-term change induced by the pandemic. Recommendations are provided to develop transportation systems that are age-friendly and encourage the mobility of older adults during situations like the pandemic.